Coffee Boy (Dallas Liu FF)

4

On Wednesday at 10 o'clock, the doorbell rang. Sophie dashed to answer it, eager to get a glimpse of Dallas. Meanwhile, I stole one last glance in the mirror. I'd opted for a short summer dress adorned with flowers, paired with white Converse shoes. Today, I let my hair cascade down in long waves, keeping my makeup light. With my denim jacket and handbag in hand, I made my way out.

In the hallway, I could already hear Dallas's voice. I took a deep breath and stepped into view. Dallas stood there in a black polo shirt, neatly tucked into black pants, holding a sunflower. Sophie flashed me a grin and darted back to her room. "He passed my test", Sophie said before closing the door. Dallas's grin widened as he handed me the sunflower. "You look stunning," he said. I accepted the flower with a smile. "You didn't have to bring me anything," I replied, moving to place the flower in a vase in the kitchen. "But it's a date. You bring flowers on a date," he explained. After setting the flower on the table, I turned to him. "Thank you," I murmured.

Together, we stepped outside. "So, is it weird if I ask about Sophie's test?" he inquired. Chuckling softly, I looked up at him. "Sophie always says: if he buys you sunflowers, he's a keeper," I explained. Dallas glanced down, looking slightly embarrassed. "My friend Kiawentiio helped me pick it out. She said the same thing," he admitted. "Well, I think she's onto something. Tell her I really liked the flower," I said. "So, where are we headed?" He grinned. "I consulted my friend Gordon, who's from around here. Unfortunately, he's 12, so his ideas for a date are a bit limited," Dallas said. I couldn't help but laugh. "Your friends sound amazing. You'll have to introduce me sometime!", I said and Dallas nodded. "Anyway, I thought one of Gordon's suggestions was brilliant. But you'll see when we get there," he said, taking my hand. My stomach did somersaults, and I couldn't stop grinning.

"Mini golf?" I asked with a grin as we arrived at a small miniature golf course. "Yep. It's small golf. It's cool," Dallas replied. Chuckling, I followed him to the rental hut to grab clubs. We approached the first hole, and Dallas stepped in front of me. "Just so we're clear. This is war. The loser buys ice cream," he said seriously. "Okay, then I want you to know that I will be cheating," I replied, playfully nudging past him. "Cheating is forbidden and will be punished," he said, trying to maintain his seriousness. "In love and war, everything's fair game, honey," I retorted, slyly nudging my ball into a better position. "So, are you cheating double?" he asked. "Huh?" I looked at him curiously. "Because this is love and war, baby," he joked. Laughing, I felt warmth spread to my cheeks. "That was kinda smooth, not gonna lie," I admitted, taking my first stroke.

After 18 intense rounds, Dallas had trounced me, and we headed to the ice cream stand at the mini-golf course. "You probably cheated more than I did," I teased. He laughed, slinging an arm around my shoulder, sending butterflies fluttering. "I'm just a pro," he replied nonchalantly, grinning. I bought us both ice cream, and we settled on a bench. "Okay, so what's next?" I asked, relishing my ice cream. Dallas looked at me. "We're heading to my place," he said. I raised an eyebrow skeptically. "I'm not doing this on a first date," I said, a twinge of uncertainty in my heart. Dallas's eyes widened. "No! We're just popping in. I need to grab something. You can wait outside the door if you prefer," he reassured. I breathed a sigh of relief. "No, it's fine."

An hour later, I trailed behind Dallas carrying a basket, as we made our way to the Canada Line. After a subway ride and some more walking, we arrived at a small lake. Dallas led me towards a pedal boat rental. "Did you, like, read a book on dates and plan the day after it?" I teased, amusement coloring my voice. "You're not into it? Is it too cheesy? We can do something else," he said, a hint of uncertainty in his tone. "No! I love it!" I replied sincerely, earning another grin from him.

As Dallas paddled the pedal boat out onto the lake, I sat beside him, but every time I tried to pedal, he insisted it wasn't necessary. "Pedaling is for the common folk," he quipped. I chuckled, eyeing the basket he brought along filled with food. "Are we having a picnic on the lake?" I asked eagerly. Dallas just grinned, eventually stopping the pedaling himself.

As we glided back to my doorstep at day's end, I looked up at Dallas with a smile. We had indulged in dinner at one of the city's finest Italian restaurants. "I really enjoyed today with you," I confessed softly. Dallas shoved his hands into his pockets. "I had a great time too," he admitted. "Tomorrow marks my last day at boot camp. After that, I won't be tied up with work all day. We could hang out more if you'd like," he suggested, a playful grin dancing on his lips. "I'd love that," I replied, my smile widening.

Pausing for a moment, I gathered my courage and rose on my tiptoes, planting a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Text me later?" I requested. Dallas nodded, a faint blush tinting his cheeks. "Promise," he assured me, his grin matching mine.